🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager - Dove Deodorant, Innovation
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: Hoboken, NJ, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Brand Management
🔹 Date Posted: May 29, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing full marketing mix for innovation projects from concept to launch
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify white spaces and disruptive opportunities
- Developing and executing communication and engagement assets for successful launches
- Leading cross-functional teams to deliver project inputs under tight timelines
- Tracking performance of key launches in market and driving trade story development
*ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, a passion for consumer engagement, and the ability to thrive in a high-pace, dynamic environment.*
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Innovation Project Management:
- Manage delivery of full marketing mix for innovation projects from initial concept stage to launch
- Collaborate with consumer insights and category strategy teams to identify white spaces/disruptive opportunities for the brand
- Develop concepts to test with consumers, partner with local marketing team and finance to develop business cases, manage artwork development, and ensure all U.S. market needs are met to execute flawless launches
✅ Cross-Functional Team Leadership:
- Lead cross-functional teams to deliver project inputs under tight timelines, acting as the key point of contact for driving project networks with regional/local cross-functional teams to ensure on-time-in-full deployment of projects
✅ Communication and Engagement Asset Development:
- Lead development of communication and engagement assets to ensure a winning launch plan with U.S. consumers to support key innovation mixes
✅ Trade Story Development and Performance Tracking:
- Lead trade story development and track the performance of key launches in market in partnership with the local performance and sales teams
*ASSUMPTION: The role may involve additional responsibilities based on business needs and project priorities.*
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (MBA preferred)
Experience:
- 3+ years of relevant branding/marketing experience, with a focus on innovation project management and deployment
Required Skills:
- Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
- A passion for consumer engagement and a deep understanding of consumer insights and market trends
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to connect business requirements to mix plans/innovation strategy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels
- Strong growth mindset and a passion for growth fundamentals
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, etc.)
- Experience with consumer engagement and digital/social media platforms
- Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with IRI or other market research tools
- Familiarity with Unilever's brand portfolio and category landscape
- Knowledge of the deodorant category and competitive landscape
*ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.*
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $86,080 to $129,120 per year
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with various plan options
- Retirement savings benefits, including a 401(k) match and employee stock purchase plan
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Parental leave, sick leave, and paid vacation and holidays
- Voluntary benefits, including legal services, pet insurance, and identity theft protection
- Employee assistance program (EAP) and wellness resources
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
*ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and market conditions. The total compensation package may also include additional benefits and perks.*
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods (FMCG)
Company Size: 10,000+ employees
Founded: 1872, in London, UK
Company Description: Unilever is a global leader in the consumer goods industry, with a portfolio of world-leading brands that improve the lives of consumers and communities around the world. The company's purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and it believes that doing business the right way drives superior performance.
Company Specialties: Consumer Goods, Food, Home Care, Personal Care, Refreshments, Marketing & Advertising, Retail, Purpose, FMCG, Digital, Ice Cream, Nutrition, Sustainability, Beauty & Wellbeing, Innovation, and Careers
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level brand management role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Global Brand Manager for Dove Deodorant, Innovation
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with potential for hybrid or remote work arrangements based on business needs and individual performance
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to lead high-impact projects and drive innovation within the Dove Deodorant brand and Unilever's broader portfolio
- Potential to progress to senior brand management roles or take on additional responsibilities within the innovation function
- Exposure to cross-functional teams and global stakeholders, fostering professional development and networking opportunities
*ASSUMPTION: The role offers significant growth potential for candidates with strong performance and a demonstrated ability to take on additional responsibilities.*
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with open-plan work areas, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces
Office Location: Hoboken, NJ, USA, with additional offices in other major cities worldwide
Geographic Context: Hoboken is a vibrant, waterfront city located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to New York City and other major transportation hubs
Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule with flexible hours and remote work options available based on business needs and individual performance
*ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and results-driven performance.*
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application review
2. Phone or video screening interview
3. In-person or virtual behavioral interview with the hiring manager and/or other stakeholders
4. Final round interview with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit and long-term potential
5. Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and ability to think critically about business challenges and opportunities
- Project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
- Consumer understanding and ability to develop insights-driven marketing strategies
- Communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values and leadership principles
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match the required qualifications for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills and competencies for this role
- Research Unilever's brand portfolio, company culture, and values to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
- Practice your presentation skills by preparing a brief overview of a successful innovation project you've led or contributed to, focusing on your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved
*ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary based on business needs and candidate qualifications. The insights provided are intended to give applicants a general understanding of what to expect during the recruitment process.*
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, etc.)
- Consumer engagement and digital/social media platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads Manager, Google Analytics, etc.)
- Market research tools (e.g., IRI, Nielsen, etc.)
- Unilever-specific tools and platforms (e.g., Unilever's internal project management system, brand tracking tools, etc.)
*ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on business needs and project-specific requirements. The list provided is not exhaustive and may be updated as needed.*
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: We act with integrity and respect for others, always striving to do the right thing, even when no one is watching
- Responsibility: We take personal responsibility for our work and the impact it has on our colleagues, our consumers, and our planet
- Fairness: We treat everyone fairly, with dignity and respect, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive
- Entrepreneurship: We encourage innovation, big and small, and empower our people to take calculated risks and learn from their mistakes
- Performance: We strive for excellence in everything we do, continuously improving our skills and seeking out new challenges to drive our business forward
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise to achieve common goals and drive collective success
- Agile: We embrace change and adapt quickly to new circumstances, always looking for better ways to do things and seizing new opportunities
- Inclusive: We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table
- Purpose-driven: We are driven by our purpose to make sustainable living commonplace, and we strive to make a positive impact on the world through our business and our actions
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you demonstrate alignment with [specific company value, e.g., Integrity] in your past experiences, and how might you apply it in this role?
2. Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to a significant change or challenge in your work environment. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?
3. How do you ensure that your work supports Unilever's commitment to sustainability and sustainable living?
4. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve a common goal? How did you ensure that everyone's perspectives were considered, and what was the result?
5. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer insights, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your work?
*ASSUMPTION: The self-assessment questions provided are intended to give applicants a sense of the types of questions they may be asked during the interview process. The actual questions may vary based on the specific role and the interviewer's focus.*
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high expectations for delivery and quality
- The dynamic and fast-paced work environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work setting
- The role may require occasional travel to other Unilever offices or client sites, depending on business needs and project requirements
- The competitive nature of the consumer goods industry and the constant need to innovate and stay ahead of market trends may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more stable and established work environment
*ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed are intended to help applicants better understand the demands of the role and the work environment. The actual challenges faced may vary based on business needs and individual performance.*
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Role Differentiation:
- This role focuses on innovation project management within a specific brand (Dove Deodorant), while other similar roles may have a broader brand management scope or focus on different product categories or regions
- This role requires a strong background in project management and consumer insights, while other similar roles may emphasize strategic planning, brand positioning, or trade marketing
- Industry-Specific Context:
- The consumer goods industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a constant need for innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences and market trends
- Unilever's brand portfolio spans multiple categories and geographies, offering diverse career growth opportunities and exposure to different business functions and markets
- Career Path Comparison:
- This role offers a clear path for progression to senior brand management roles or other leadership positions within Unilever's innovation function
- Other similar roles may offer alternative career paths, such as moving into category management, trade marketing, or other strategic functions within the organization
*ASSUMPTION: The role comparisons provided are intended to help applicants better understand the unique aspects of this role and how it relates to other similar positions within the consumer goods industry. The actual comparisons may vary based on the specific role and the organization's structure.*
📝 Sample Projects
- Innovation Project Management:
- Developing and executing a successful launch plan for a new Dove Deodorant variant, including consumer testing, packaging design, and trade activation
- Leading a cross-functional team to identify and capitalize on white space opportunities in the deodorant category, resulting in a new product line that achieved double-digit growth within its first year
- Collaborating with regional marketing teams to develop and implement targeted campaigns that drive brand awareness and market share in key growth markets
- Consumer Insights and Market Research:
- Conducting consumer segmentation analysis to identify key consumer groups and develop tailored marketing strategies to meet their unique needs and preferences
- Analyzing market trends and competitive landscapes to inform brand positioning and innovation strategies
- Developing and executing consumer panels and surveys to gather insights on brand performance, consumer behavior, and market dynamics
*ASSUMPTION: The sample projects provided are intended to give applicants a sense of the types of projects they may work on in this role. The actual projects may vary based on business needs and individual performance.*
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. Can you describe the most significant innovation project you've led or contributed to, and what was the outcome?
2. How do you approach identifying white space opportunities and disruptive innovations within the deodorant category?
3. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a cross-functional team to deliver a project on time and within budget? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
4. How do you stay up-to-date with consumer trends and preferences, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your marketing strategies?
5. Can you describe a time when you had to adapt a marketing campaign or strategy due to changing market conditions or consumer feedback? What was the result?
6. How do you approach working with regional marketing teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and execution across different markets?
7. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult stakeholder or navigate a complex political landscape within an organization? How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?
*ASSUMPTION: The interview questions provided are intended to help applicants better understand the types of questions they may be asked during the interview process. The actual questions may vary based on the specific role and the interviewer's focus.*
📐 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the following link: [Application URL]
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match the required qualifications for this role
3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills and competencies for this role
4. Research Unilever's brand portfolio, company culture, and values to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
5. Practice your presentation skills by preparing a brief overview of a successful innovation project you've led or contributed to, focusing on your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved
6. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
